Holiday Entertaining Tips From L.A.'s Top Caterers And Event Planners

We've all dreamt about hosting the effortlessly stylish Thanksgiving dinner that looks like it hopped off the pages of Kinfolk magazine. Records crackle in the background while you set the table in a worn vintage apron, and a ruggedly handsome mustachioed man opens a bottle of wine as the guests settle. There are long wooden tables and mason jars and mismatched-yet-somehow-matching plates. The scene is flea market chic, and the food is fabulous.

For many that little hipster pipe dream is a far cry from reality. But that doesn't mean you should have to submit to Tofurkey and Two Buck Chuck. Help is on it's way in the form of Whoa Nelly Catering and their good friends, who they just so happen to work with on some of L.A.'s A-list events.

The catering company has partnered up with DomaineLA, Casa de Perrin, and Twig & Twine to create the dreamy holiday table that you've always wanted. They'll drop off the meal the night before Thanksgiving, complete with all the fixins and tipples, as well as everything you need to make your home look Pinterest-worthy, including chargers, glassware, and floral design.

You can do the whole shebang via Whoa Nelly and friends, or just order bits and bobs to help spice up your meal. There are cheese plates and charcuterie boards and drool-inducing dishes like a sweet potato gratin with aged cheddar, caramelized onions, and pecan-bacon streusel. They'll even do the turkey for you. Let them handle the herb-brined free range turkey with herb butter baste while you tend to that dreamboat boyfriend of yours.

The idea, of course, is to be a stress-free host. In case you want to DIY, they've offered up their number one tips to consider when planning your Thanksgiving feast.

Here they are:

The Food (Whoa Nelly Catering): Thanksgiving is a day that's all about the big meal, but that doesn't mean it's not nice to have snacks out as guests arrive. A cheese board is a perfect no-cook option (Lord knows there's plenty of that already going on). A cheese board is ideally composed of 3-5 cheeses, and should vary in texture -- soft to hard -- and it's also good to mix up the types of milk, using a mix of goat, sheep, and cows milk cheeses. And since there is a lot more food ahead, we recommend crackers, rather than bread, to save room for the meal to come.

The Wine (DomaineLA): The number one thing to remember when choosing wine is to go for versatility, and don't worry too much about choosing the perfect bottle. There is no such thing! There are so many dishes and flavors involved with Thanksgiving that a variety of bottles are bound to enhance the meal. That being said, I typically advise people to avoid high alcohol and extremely full bodied wines. They'll put you to sleep faster than tryptophan.

Photo courtesy of Casa de Perrin on Instagram
The Decor (Twig & Twine): When designing a fall table, pick a seasonal palette that will work nicely with your existing decor. If your table settings are colorful then go with a more simple or monochromatic palette with the flowers. If the table feels like it needs some color then take nature's cue and bring in beautiful fall tones like orange, gold and deep red with abundant greenery. Consider placing seasonal fruit or vegetables such as persimmons, gourds, small heirloom pumpkins or even pomegranates at each place setting for an added touch.

The Tableware (Casa de Perrin): Your guests will spend the majority of the night at the dining table, so adding extra special visual details like specialty dinnerware, charger plates, vintage glassware, etc. will set the tone for the occasion. It's also been scientifically proven that food actually tastes better off a well-dressed table!

If you'd like to order your feast and accouterment via Whoa Nelly and friends, you can find out more info and pricing on their site.